Rufai Oseni wins Media Personality of the Year at Independent Awards

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has won the Media Personality of the Year award at the 2025 Independent Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited.

The awards ceremony, held on Saturday in Lagos, honoured outstanding Nigerians across governance, business, media and other sectors.

The event, which marked the 25th anniversary of the awards, took place at Eko Hotel and Suites and featured about 25 categories recognising excellence, leadership and impact.

The awards, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading recognition platforms, celebrate individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves in public service, enterprise and social development.

Top contenders for the prestigious Man of the Year award included industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Several eminent Nigerians were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards, including Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, Atedo Peterside, founder and former Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank, and Chief Kessington Adebutu, Chairman of Premier Lotto, for their contributions to national development.

In the governance category, a number of state governors and federal ministers were recognised for their performance and policy impact. Notable nominees included Alex Otti of Abia State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Babagana Zulum of Borno State.

Key figures in the financial sector were also spotlighted, with nominations featuring business leaders such as Tony Elumelu, while Adaora Umeoji and Segun Agbaje were recognised in the banking category.

In the technology, media and creative industry categories, nominees included Kemisola Bolarinwa, Chimezie Emewulu, Funke Akindele, Mo Abudu and Chude Jideonwo.

Organisers said winners were selected through a combination of public voting, editorial board assessment and jury review to ensure credibility and transparency.

They added that the awards remain committed to encouraging excellence and inspiring higher standards of performance across all sectors of national life.